Ja

Morant

Morant last appeared in a game on January 21, and the Grizzlies announced on Wednesday that he will be out at least two more weeks before being re-evaluated. The point guard is still dealing with discomfort in his left elbow, which is why he needs more rehab time. With Morant down, the Grizzlies will continue to rely on Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cam Spencer to handle the playmaking responsibilities. Jerome offers the highest fantasy ceiling of the three.

Spencer didn’t bring much to the table as a scorer on Monday, but he had the most productive night of his NBA career in the assist category. The second-year guard’s 14 assists were a career-high, and he committed just three turnovers. Spencer isn’t going to offer the scoring that Ja Morant brings to the table, but he is worth rostering as long as the Grizzlies’ starting point guard is out. Rostered in 30 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Spencer has been a seventh-round player over the past two weeks.

Morant suffered a UCL sprain in his left (non-shooting) elbow during Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks. The injury is expected to sideline the 26-year-old point guard for at least the next three weeks, at which point he’ll be reevaluated. Cam Spencer started in Morant’s place Friday and had 21 points and 11 assists, making him a legitimate fantasy option while Morant is out.

Iisalo also said Jerome needs to “build up over the next week or two,” but he is “very close.” Jerome has yet to make his debut for Memphis after injuring his calf in the preseason finale. He still may not return until closer to the All-Star break, but he will eventually fill out some of the backcourt minutes for the Grizzlies. However, it seems likely that Ja Morant will remain with Memphis for the rest of the season, so there isn’t much upside for Jerome unless there is an injury in front of him.

Due to a sprained UCL in his left (non-shooting) elbow, Morant will not play on Friday. Cam Spencer is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup, but there have been times when Vince Williams Jr. received the nod instead. Regardless of who head coach Tuomas Iisalo decides to go with, Spencer offers a considerably higher fantasy upside.

Playing stateside for the first time since January 2, Morant finished Wednesday’s defeat with his third double-double in as many appearances and eighth of the season. The Grizzlies’ point guard had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but his three-point attempt missed the mark. Morant did commit five turnovers, but that was the lone negative. Overall, he’s been very good in his first two games back from injury, a positive development for those who have Morant rostered.

Morant returned from a six-game injury and looked no worse for wear as he went off for 20 points, 10 dimes and four boards in the first half. Memphis cruised to victory in this one, and Morant could have had an even bigger night had this one been more competitive. The Grizzlies will travel home from their European road trip, and won’t play again until Wednesday. Morant’s status moving forward will remain in question as he’s been forced to miss significant time and his name is still on the trade block, but this was good to see for fantasy managers.

Morant will be available following a six-game absence, but it’s unclear if he’ll face a minutes restriction after a lengthy absence. Cam Spencer may retreat back to the bench, but given Morant’s recent availability and trade rumors, Spencer remains a hold.

Morant has missed Memphis’ last six games, but he is expected to be back to take on Orlando. Trade rumors continue to swirl, but for now, Morant should return to his place in the starting lineup, which will push Cam Spencer to the bench and eliminate most of his streaming appeal.

Morant will be sidelined for another contest, and it’s unclear when he’ll return. His continued absence is particularly noteworthy amid trade rumors. Morant’s absence will mean more playing time for Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr., with Spencer the preferred pickup for fantasy managers.